Growth & Development

Watching your bearded dragon grow is one of the most rewarding parts of keeping them. Growth is rapid in the first year, then slows as they reach adulthood. Correct care, diet, and setup all play a huge role in ensuring healthy development.

📏 Growth Stages (Approximate Guide)

Hatchling (0–2 months): 8–15 cm, 5–20 g
Juvenile (2–6 months): 15–30 cm, 20–150 g
Sub-Adult (6–12 months): 30–45 cm, 150–350 g
Adult (12+ months): 40–60 cm, 350–600 g (some lines bigger, some smaller)

⚡ Growth Patterns

Dragons grow fastest between 0–6 months.
Colourful dragons and stacked morphs may grow slower — genetics can affect growth rate.
Growth is not always even — dragons often grow in “spurts.”

🍽️ Feeding for Growth

Hatchlings: Insect-heavy diet (up to 70% insects, 30% greens).
Juveniles: Transition to 50/50 insects and greens.
Adults: 70–80% greens, 20–30% insects.
Feed insects no larger than the space between the dragon’s eyes.

🦴 Key to Healthy Growth

UVB lighting — essential for calcium absorption.
Calcium & vitamin supplements — prevent MBD and weak bone growth.
Correct basking temps — help digestion and metabolism.
Space to move — exercise encourages proper muscle and bone development.

⚠️ Stunted Growth Causes

Poor UVB or wrong distance to bulb.
Low basking temps.
Poor diet or lack of live feeders when young.
Parasites or untreated health issues.
Overcrowding with other dragons (competition for food/space).

💡 Fun Fact

The most colourful dragons in a clutch often grow slower than their plainer siblings. This doesn’t mean they’re unhealthy — just that their bodies put more energy into colour expression as well as growth.